3 Keys to Dolphins vs. Raiders

Despite another week with dealing with a distraction, the Miami Dolphins have been preparing for their Sunday night game against a struggling Oakland Raiders team. The Raiders come in 1-5 over their last six games, but are favored by three in this matchup of AFC playoff hopefuls.

Here’s a quick look at three keys to the game for Dolphins vs. Oakland:

While the two running backs have had few opportunities this season (Drake and Williams have combined for 57 yards on 22 carries), it’s important that the offense doesn’t become one-dimensional.

By incorporating both Drake and Williams into the game plan, the Dolphins can avoid Oakland being able to tee-off on Jay Cutler. While the number of overall carries might decrease from Ajayi’s normal totals (19.7 carries-per-game), the use of Drake and Williams in the short passing game could replace some of the run. Both Drake and Williams are far superior pass catchers to Ajayi.

Protect Jay Cutler

The Dolphins have done a better job this season protecting the quarterback from sacks, having surrendered 16 thus far (19th in the NFL), but with Jay Cutler returning from a cracked rib injury, it’s important to keep the pocket clean. Backup Matt Moore was sacked three times against Baltimore and hit a number of other times.

The Raiders defense are only 29th in the league with 12 sacks in 2017, but they feature an elite pass rusher in Khalil Mack, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year.

While Mack’s sack totals aren’t what they were a season ago (just 4.5 sacks in 2017), even coach Christensen knows the impact Mack can have. “We don’t need Khalil Mack coming clean on [Jay Cutler].”

According to Pro Football Focus, Cutler is 24th in the league in passer rating versus pressure (55.3).

Miami’s young cornerbacks vs Raiders receivers

Oakland’s offense features a number of explosive weapons on the outside, including Miami-native and former Miami Northwestern High star Amari Cooper. The Raiders also have productive veteran Michael Crabtree. These two will matchup against Miami’s cornerbacks, Xavien Howard and Cordrea Tankersley.

The Dolphins corners are young and athletic, but have been inconsistent. They can’t allow the ball to fly over their heads on Sunday, especially considering Cooper and Crabtree have combined for 13 plays over 20 yards and nine touchdowns.

Communication is key for Howard and Tankersley, especially with the safeties so the entire defensive backfield is on the same page with coverage support.

The Dolphins are tied for 30th in the league with only two interceptions this season.

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